Home

Golf

‘No Extrinsic Motivation’: Europe Captain Luke Donald Makes a Staggering Money Confession As Patriotism Gets Put Through a Brutal Test

Published 10/01/2023, 3:51 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

The Ryder Cup is one of the most coveted events on the men’s golf circuit. Besides, this event system doesn’t believe in prize money. But the cup itself is a major accolade for any golfer. Added to that, representing one’s country on international grounds is a highly privileged opportunity.

While most Ryder Cup veterans agree with this, some don’t. One such PGA Tour pro talked about it recently amid the tournament. The player even protested to establish his opinion on the same by taking off his hat. Now, captain Luke Donald faces the same question as when he joined a presser. 

Captain Luke Donald’s take on the Ryder Cup payout issue

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

There have been some controversies going on in and out of the American locker room. The dispute allegedly even created a division among the players. Now, what is the matter about? By the looks of it, it’s about prize money.

The players are not getting paid for their efforts at the Ryder Cup. And this concern is highlighted by none other than Patrick Cantlay.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Golf stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

As the conflict arose, most players defied his opinion. Except for Xander Schauffele, who stood by his friend.  The duo reportedly even sat separately from others in the Team USA room. 

Now, as Luke Donald joined in a press conference, he was asked whether the Ryder Cup participants should be paid or not. To which Donald stated clearly, “Absolutely not.”

via Reuters

Added to that, he also said, “What the Ryder Cup represents. It represents true sport. You saw it with some of the passion at the end there. It’s a passionate event. It’s about pride. It’s about representing your country. It’s about coming together as a team. It’s exactly — it’s the purest form of competition we have, and I think because of that, the fans love it. There’s no extrinsic motivation involved. It’s purely, purely sport. That’s what makes it so special.”

Coming back to Cantlay, though his resistance got the teammates triggered, his excellent fourball performance won back their support.

Team USA pays tribute to Patrick Cantlay’s insane triumph

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After four balls on Saturday, Team USA has picked up its pace. Added to that, the team even won three out of four matches in the four balls. Now, the success was contributed by Patrick Cantlay as well. He joined hands with Wyndham Clark and won against European stars Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick. 

The game was going head-to-head with Europe winning holes 4 and 14. On the other hand, America secured holes 11 and 17. Hence, the 18th was the juncture to mark the triumph of the match. Finally, Cantlay made a successful putt. To honor the huge victory, Team USA took off their hats and paid tribute. Even caddie Joe LaCava chipped in the same, along with fans. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think of Patrick Cantlay’s Ryder Cup payout claim? Let us know in the comments below. 

Watch This Story | Brooks Koepka receives a shout-out from the great white shark at the 25,000,000 event

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by:

Suchita Chakraborty

303Articles

One take at a time

Suchita is a golf writer for EssentiallySports who was chosen in the recent ‘ES Draft’ round for her in-depth coverage and knowledge of the sport. Even as a budding writer, she has captivated readers through her ability to bring the sport to life through her articles, especially when it comes to golf's latest hot topic, the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Suchita draws her inspiration from one of the legends in women’s golf, Annika Sorrenstam.
Show More>

Edited by:

Sharan Nair

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT